NECC 2004 Highlights the Global Learning Community
The National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) will have educators and administrators "Jammin' & Jazzin' With Technology" in New Orleans from June 20-23, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Presented by the International Society for Technology in Education, in cooperation with the Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators, NECC 2004 promises to be both an informational and entertaining experience for attendees.
Among the conference's educational offerings are more than 285 concurrent and spotlight sessions that emphasize such areas as learning from and with the global community, addressing diversity and equality, and implementing federal mandates. NECC 2004 also features informal and intimate "Birds-of-a-Feather" sessions that provide small-group discussions and leadership opportunities for budding presenters. The K-12 Video-conferencing Showcase offers the opportunity for attendees to explore the range of videoconferencing content provided by organizations such as zoos, museums and science centers. The Teaching Learning & Technology Centers of Louisiana will be on hand to present projects in action by local students and teachers, while the AT Playground will allow attendees to learn more about assistive technology for mild disabilities, as well as sensory and communication disabilities. In addition, this year's NECC is a wireless- and handheld-friendly environment, with a wireless network provided for attendees with laptops and beaming stations that will deliver session content to attendees with Palm OS-powered PDAs.
As always, this year's conference features a diverse selection of keynote speakers, including Malcolm Gladwell, author of The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, and Peter Reynolds, founder and CEO of Fablevision. NECC will also offer a "Choose Your Own Keynote" series that will allow attendees to choose from one of three speaker sessions: Jennifer Corriero and Michael Furdyk from TakingITGlobal.org; Craig Barrett, CEO of Intel Corp.; or representatives from the National Education Technology Plan development team.
Getting into the New Orleans' sprit, NECC organizers have compiled numerous entertainment options for attendees that commence with the Sunday Night Opening Reception and Fais Do-Do. Early-bird attendees can enjoy the 5K Fun Run/Walk in the morning before the conference opens, and attendees will have a chance to shop at the riverfront Mini-Mall Jam-boree. Additional entertainment can be found with evening tours that let attendees choose between exploring the ghosts and vampires of the French Quarter, or getting a taste of Cajun life in a working bayou village.
For more information on the conference and associated events, call (800) 280-6218 or visit www.iste.org/necc.
This article originally appeared in the 06/01/2004 issue of THE Journal.